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Augsburg vs Liverpool

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Augsburg vs Liverpool Empty Augsburg vs Liverpool

Post by Sportipster Mon Feb 22, 2016 11:23 am

The first leg of the Europa League round-of-32 will be played in Augsburg. Liverpool’s manager Jurgen Klopp is coming back to Germany for the first time since he took over the charge at Anfield. The visitors are the slight favorites, but this is biggest game in Augsburg’s history and a former Dortmund’s head coach knows they will fight until the last second.

Augsburg had a lot of luck in the final game of the group stage when they advanced in the dying minutes in Belgrade against Partizan. The draw wasn’t that lucky for them, though, and the rather inexperienced squad will face a Premier League giant, but they certainly can play. The hosts aren’t in good form; they failed to record a win in 2016, and they are without a win in last four Bundesliga games. Also, they scored only two goals in that span, one against the holding champions Bayern in the last match at home. While going through an apparent crisis, the current form doesn’t have to mean anything in Europa League clash, but still, it has to be considered.

Liverpool demolished Aston Villa in their last game, and Klopp was pleased to see some of his key players fit and back in the squad after injury troubles. It looks like the good times are coming for the Reds, but that shouldn’t be judged upon one game against the struggling Villa. However, their passing game was fluid; they took the chances and seemed improved in every aspect of the match. The game against Augsburg will be a big test that Liverpool players need to pass. The chance of winning Europa League and qualify for the next season’s Champions League is too big to ignore, and Klopp should concentrate on this competition.



Augsburg Key Players:

Marwin Hitz – The goalkeeper is in good form at the moment, he kept two clean sheets since the winter break, and although conceded three goals against Bayern, Hitz could play a significant role in upcoming clash. Liverpool did score six times in a victory over Aston Villa, but the Reds have the lowest conversion rate in the Premier League, and although they’re creating a bunch of chances, they’re aren’t very prolific in front of goal.

Raul Bobadilla – Certainly the best Augsburg’s player, the striker will present the greatest threat to Simon Mignolet. He scored 11 goals in 25 matches this season, and recently ended a five-game scoring drought in a 1:3 defeat against Bayern. The 28-year-old player already scored against Liverpool in this competition while playing for Young Boys.



Liverpool Key Players:

Daniel Sturridge – Sturridge’s comeback against Villa proved that Liverpool missed him terribly, and his composure and goalscoring record are much needed at Anfield. He looked very well in a tandem with Firmino, and the pair could get a start against Augsburg as well. He is the best striker that Liverpool has, and if he stays healthy, I expect Sturridge to be a key figure for the remainder of the season.

Philippe Coutinho – The Brazilian wizard showed his class and creativity in last game and recorded two assists. His movement, dribbling and accurate passes are essential to Liverpool’s attack, and Sturridge and Firmino will depend on his performance. Also, Coutinho is known to possess an excellent long-range shot, so he will be dangerous in that regard as well.



Although they’re slight favorites, it won’t be a breeze for Liverpool in this clash, and the Reds are having trouble to keep the clean sheet, so I wouldn’t be surprised if they concede a goal. I also firmly believe they can score at least one, and the game could easily turn into a shootout. My suggestion would be over 2.5 goals, and the best odds are currently with Paddy Power and BetVictor at 2.10.

The same odds can be found for Liverpool’s win, so these two bets are my predictions.

Source: Augsburg vs. Liverpool betting preview

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